Hoping someone can help, my 2003 KLX250 won't start (using electric start) when in gear. It starts no problem when in neutral but if I stall in the bush and try to re start it while in gear there is no response (nothing at all). When I put it in neutral and use electric start it will get going again - it's just a pain and sometimes really difficult to have to put into neutral while balancing on the side of a hill or rock before I can start it.

This only started happening on my last ride so I don't know if I have knocked something out of place or disconnected something maybe.

Any ideas would be great.

 

Probably the clutch switch - check the wiring. Or maybe did you happen to install an aftermarket clutch lever? If so, you need to short the two wires together that feed up to the clutch to bypass it. It's a safety interlock - keeps the bike from turning over if it's in gear and the clutch lever is not pulled. If the switch is broken or the wiring loose somewhere, it won't start even if the lever is pulled.

 

I think you need to put the kick stand up.
If it is down it may not start.

 

Thanks, it could be the clutch switch by sounds of it - I broke the lever off on previous ride and replaced it before my last one. I had a spare lever in the tool box I think from my sons YZ85 and it fitted so I put it on. If it is the switch or wiring what should I be looking at or how do I short the two wires?

 

If you can find the 2 wires that run up to the switch, they may have been torn rite of so you may have to go into the harness to find them, simply crimp or solder them together and tape them up. Just remember though that the starter will now engage with the clutch lever not pulled in when in gear,can make for some embarassing moments if you forget.

 

i had this same issue.. the "switch" located directly under the clutch lever will begin to rust after time. this "switch" is mad eof nothing more than a couple of metal rails that engage/disengage depending on the location of the clutch lever. 2 small screws to get at it. use some sandpaper to clean the rails up and apply dielectric compound and your good.

 

Thanks all for the replies, I will play around with the switch and wires and see how I go.

 

I'm still learning about riding, the bike and maintenance. I'm having the same issue but not sure exactly how to go about fixing it. Thanks.